Accurate Basement Repairhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com
3125 East Allerton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53235 | Phone: 414-744-6900Fri, 17 Apr 2020 19:35:55 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1Hiring A Foundation Repair Contractor | Milwaukee, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/hiring-a-foundation-repair-contractor-milwaukee-wi/
Fri, 17 Apr 2020 19:35:55 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2593Hiring a foundation repair contractor is an important task—but it’s also one that might feel daunting. If you’ve never had to hire this type of professional before then you might have no idea what to even look for. You may be wondering if all foundation repair contractors are the same? And if not, what are

]]>Hiring a foundation repair contractor is an important task—but it’s also one that might feel daunting. If you’ve never had to hire this type of professional before then you might have no idea what to even look for. You may be wondering if all foundation repair contractors are the same? And if not, what are some things to look for that would ensure you’ve hired a good one? After all, you don’t want to trust your home’s foundation to just anyone.

Making a decision about who to hire is important and you should plan to put in the time to do some research. Of course, you need to know what to keep an eye out for. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Use the Web to your Advantage

With the Internet at your fingertips it’s easier than ever to do your “homework” and research the companies that you might be considering. For one, you should spend some time on the companies’ websites reading more about them. It helps to see whether the company you’re considering is invested in offering educational content, such as blog articles, as this shows the company is invested in keeping their customers informed.

On top of that, you can also use review sites such as Google Reviews or even Facebook to see what other people have to say about the service provided by the companies you’re considering. Look for companies with 4 and 5-star ratings, which demonstrates that lots of past customers were happy with their work.

Check References and Referrals

In addition to third-party review sites, you can also ask the companies that you are considering if they’re willing to provide references that you can call and talk to. Be wary of companies that are unwilling to provide this information as it may mean they don’t have a lot of customers willing to vouch for their services.

It always helps to talk to family and friends, as well. Who did they use for foundation services and were they happy with the contractor? This kind of information can help you narrow down your selection.

Request Licenses and Insurance

As you narrow down your list of potential contractors, make sure to ask for proof of license and insurance before committing to a contractor. It also pays to verify this information. For licensing, make sure that you check with your state’s department of labor or licensing board for contractors. For insurance, you can actually call the provider and verify that the contractor is up to date with all of their insurances.

Don’t Limit Yourself

While there’s no question that doing your due diligence can be time-consuming, the effort that you put in is worth it. Go into the process knowing that it’s going to take a little bit of a time investment but that it will pay off by helping guarantee that you’ll hire a contractor who will get the job done right—the first time.

Chances are, you’ve heard the horror stories. There are foundation repair contractors out there who have made mistakes or done poor work and left their customers completely in the lurch. These customers have lost money in their investment and may need additional work performed to make up for those mistakes. But if you make the right choice the first time around, you can prevent this from happening.

This is why it’s important not to limit yourself. Don’t just hire the first foundation repair company that you come across. Start with a list of several in your area and then go through the process that we’ve described above in narrowing down the choices.

Notice we didn’t mention price as a comparison option. That’s because it can be a dangerous path to shop on price alone. The truth is, good work sometimes does cost a little more—and it is worth investing that extra money to be sure the job is performed properly. After all, if the job isn’t done right the first time, you’ll wind up paying more money down the road anyhow. But if you put in the time and research in choosing wisely, you can prevent things from going wrong.

]]>COVID-19 UPDATEhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/covid-19-update/
Mon, 16 Mar 2020 20:19:31 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2583COVID-19 UPDATE (3/16/20) To Our Valued Customers and Strategic Partners, Thank you so much for your business and partnership during this extraordinary time. As the Coronavirus COVID-19 situation continues to develop, our number one priority remains serving you – our customers – while also ensuring the health and safety of yourselves, our associates and our

Thank you so much for your business and partnership during this extraordinary time. As the Coronavirus COVID-19 situation continues to develop, our number one priority remains serving you – our customers – while also ensuring the health and safety of yourselves, our associates and our partners.

Accurate Basement Repair will continue to support you and provide you with exceptional service while scheduled jobs remain open and our repairs continue. In line with this, please be aware of the following:

At this time, Accurate Basement Repair will remain open as normal.

If a suspension of our services become necessary or federally-mandated, we will work to ensure that any suspensions cause minimal impact to our customers, and we will communicate suspension of work to any impacted customers as needed.

We are working closely with suppliers to ensure any materials needed remain sufficient to perform our work.

This is a fluid and dynamic situation and we will continue to share updates as they evolve.
For the most up-to-date information for your project, please feel free to reach out to us at:

]]>How Much Value Does an Egress Window Add? Wauwatosa, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/how-much-value-does-an-egress-window-add/
Fri, 17 Jan 2020 22:27:29 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2533If you are thinking about making your basement into living space, you should also be thinking about egress window installation. An egress window is simply a window big enough to serve as an exit in case of an emergency. All bedrooms must have egress windows, so if you are planning a bedroom in the basement,

]]>If you are thinking about making your basement into living space, you should also be thinking about egress window installation. An egress window is simply a window big enough to serve as an exit in case of an emergency. All bedrooms must have egress windows, so if you are planning a bedroom in the basement, an egress window is a must. Even if you’re thinking about a playroom, family room, or other space, egress window installation may be a wise choice. In this post, we will explore how much value an egress window adds to a home, as well as the requirements and process for egress window installation.

Added Value: Safety

In case of fire or another emergency, there is a way out from the basement. Just as significant, there is a way in for firefighters, paramedics or other emergency personnel. Having an egress window in your basement allows you to relax and really enjoy that space. You don’t have to worry when your children are playing there, when your teens have friends over, or when there are people sleeping there. You’ll know that with an egress window, their safety has been provided for.

Added Value: Re-sale Price

Even if you choose not to have basement bedrooms, having an egress window means that you can count those rooms as additional bedrooms. The difference between the price of a 2-bedroom family house and a 4-bedroom one is significant. In the Milwaukee area, the median price of a 2-bedroom home is $210,000; for a 4-bedroom one, it is $330,00. So for the initial outlay needed for egress window installation, you could expect to add over $100,000 to your asking price.

Added Value: Light, Ventilation

Requirements

Since an egress window needs to function as an emergency exit there are some strict legal requirements. The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code regulates egress window installation. It designates window size, placement, and exterior areaway. The minimum opening above grade is 5.7ft2, and 5ft2 below grade. When open, there must be a width of 20” and height of 24”. Outside the house, the area around the egress window needs to have a minimum width and projection of 36” so that a person can easily occupy the space. You have to be able to get to the surface easily, too; the maximum depth allowed is 46” and if it is over that, a permanent ladder or step must be part of the window well. You need to be able to open an egress window from the inside without any key, tool, special knowledge, or excessive force. Likewise, any outside barriers like bars, grills, covers, and screens must be easily removable. Those are the legal requirements for the State of Wisconsin; some localities have additional regulations. The experts at Accurate Basement will make sure that your egress window installation complies with all relevant statutes.

Installation

Installation of an egress window in your basement is not a DIY job. The professionals at Accurate Basement will assess your needs and recommend the appropriate windows (type and energy efficiency rating varies), consult with you about the design of your window well, and get the job done right. Because it’s a basement, it’s important to ensure proper drainage and waterproofing. Egress window installation will require excavation around the prospective window site, then cutting through the concrete foundation wall, framing and fitting the window. Finally, proper drainage solutions for the areaway will be done, and the window well installed.

Accurate Basement professionals know how to keep your basement watertight and have years of experience with egress window installation.

]]>How to Repair a Foundation: The Crack-Injection Method West Allis, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/how-to-repair-a-foundation-the-crack-injection-method/
Wed, 18 Dec 2019 20:05:25 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2530When you start to see cracks in your foundation walls, you might be concerned that your whole house is at risk, and that you’re looking at major money to fix it. Those fears may be groundless on both counts. If you have a poured concrete foundation (the most common one in the Milwaukee area), you’d

]]>When you start to see cracks in your foundation walls, you might be concerned that your whole house is at risk, and that you’re looking at major money to fix it. Those fears may be groundless on both counts. If you have a poured concrete foundation (the most common one in the Milwaukee area), you’d be a good candidate for the crack-injection method. One of the experts at Accurate Basement will be able to assess the situation. Most of the time, the crack-injection method will prove the best option. It has been the most widely-accepted way of dealing with these repairs throughout the Midwest for decades.

Factors to Consider

The width and depth of the crack. Cracks can appear that are as thin as a hair, or as wide as an inch. Crack-injection can work on cracks of all different kinds of widths, and on those that penetrate even a 12-inch wall.

Whether the crack is dormant or active. A professional from Accurate Basement will be able to tell you whether the crack has ceased increasing; this is a dormant crack. The material used in the crack-injection method for dormant cracks does not have to be responsive. An active crack, judged to be still moving, requires a sealant to be flexible if it is to be effective. The crack-injection method can be used with actively moving cracks; they need to be addressed completely and carefully, though.

Whether or not appearance is a factor. If you have a finished basement, you want the crack repair to be invisible once it’s done. With the crack-injection method, you can paint or decorate as usual.

Crack-Injection Process

Injection ports. If there are large cracks, the process begins with drilling injection holes adjacent to and angled into the crack. Injection ports can then be placed in these holes. This provides a perfect delivery system for the chemical that will seal the crack.

Injection material. There are different chemicals and materials for different kinds of cracks. Your expert from Accurate Basement will already have determined whether you need an epoxy resin, a polyurethane foam, or something else. Whatever kind of injection material is needed, it will be carefully inserted into the crack.

From the bottom, up. The foundation repair professional will work carefully from the lowest injection port up to the top. The chemical mixture inserted into the crack will react and expand, filling the entire width and depth of the crack. As each portion of the crack is deemed completely filled, the work moves upward.

Better Than New. Once the crack-injection method has been done and the material has had a chance to fully bond with the concrete, your foundation will be even better than before. The crack-injection method is sometimes referred to as concrete welding because it is that strong and secure. Your house’s foundation will be as stable (or more so) as it was when first done.

The Milwaukee foundation repair experts at Accurate Basement Repair can provide you and your family with the most practical and cost-effective solutions for all your foundation cracks and repair needs. We have the experience and the proven know-how to get the job done right.

]]>Basement Underpinning: A Look into Strengthening a Foundation Milwaukee, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/when-does-a-house-need-underpinning-a-look-into-foundation-repair/
Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:39:52 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2520The foundation of your house needs to be secure; it’s the basis for every other component of your home. Usually, you would be considering foundation repair when there are visible signs that your basement is damaged. However, if you are going to undertake renovations that involve adding a story (or more) to your home, you

]]>The foundation of your house needs to be secure; it’s the basis for every other component of your home. Usually, you would be considering foundation repair when there are visible signs that your basement is damaged. However, if you are going to undertake renovations that involve adding a story (or more) to your home, you should also consult with a professional about foundation repair. One of the professionals at Accurate Basement can determine whether your house needs underpinning.

Causes

When the subsoil expands and contracts and draws away from the foundation, it can create subsidence. For the Milwaukee area and its surroundings, the soil is primarily clay, and foundations built on expansive clay can be particularly prone to subsidence. Sometimes, a house is built on improperly compacted fill soils, or the drainage solutions malfunction. Another cause of subsidence is extreme seasonal changes. We live in Wisconsin, so that definitely applies.

Symptoms

The most obvious signs to look out for are cracks in the walls. If there are cracks wider than ¼ inch, that’s a danger signal. Diagonal cracks are another indication that you may need foundation repair. Cracks in your concrete floor are another sign that something may be wrong. And of course, heaving or buckling of walls or floor should prompt an immediate call to the experts at Accurate Basement.

Cure

In some cases, repairing faulty drains or removing trees that are damaging the ground can be enough to correct the problem. More typically, basement underpinning is necessary. Underpinning strengthens the existing foundations by excavating below the foundation depth and repairing either the entire foundation or the faulty sections of the foundation.

There are various forms of underpinning. The main ones involve either digging out sections below the foundations and filling them with concrete or driving piles into the ground. Whichever is used, it’s a highly specialist procedure, and you need to have an expert undertake the work. At Accurate Basement, we have been doing foundation repair successfully for years.

The most common method of underpinning is the mass pour method. This process requires excavating sections in sequence to a pre-established depth below the footing and placing concrete in each pit. Then, this process is repeated until the entire affected area has been underpinned.

Underpinning with screw piles and brackets is typically used where mass pour underpinning is not possible. Some buildings might require excavating to extraordinary depths or some other reason may make it unfeasible. Screw piles can be installed in foundations with particular qualities. They are ideal when used with underpinning support brackets. The structure can then be lifted back to a level position and the weight of the foundation transferred to the bracket system.

Underpinning with pile and beams is another underpinning method. With this system, a mini-pile must be installed on either side of the affected wall. After the piles have been installed, then brickwork is removed below the wall and a reinforced concrete needle beam is used to connect the piles and support the wall.

If you have concerns about your home’s foundation, contact the professionals at Accurate Basement. We can help you determine whether you need foundation repair, and which kind of underpinning would be best for your particular home.

]]>Is My House Sinking or Settling? 4 Signs of House Settling Waukesha, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/addressing-a-home-foundation-that-is-settling/
Wed, 09 Oct 2019 20:26:36 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2498A home’s foundation bears the weight of the entire home and must be in great shape to hold up for years in the often wet Milwaukee weather. While some home settling is normal, especially in the first three years of a home’s life, settling should cause little more than a few minor cosmetic problems. Of

]]>A home’s foundation bears the weight of the entire home and must be in great shape to hold up for years in the often wet Milwaukee weather. While some home settling is normal, especially in the first three years of a home’s life, settling should cause little more than a few minor cosmetic problems. Of course, over time, homes will continue to settle, but the majority of homes should never be faced with huge issues. When cracks, leaking and slanted floors become more easily visible, this is a sure sign that professional basement foundation repair in Milwaukee is needed.

Signs That a Foundation Is Settling

There are a few significant signs that homeowners may notice if their foundations are undergoing major issues with settling. First, the foundation itself may develop large cracks. These cracks may be so wide that they let in water or even insects and small rodents. The most dangerous cracks are those that run horizontally.

Second, doors and windows may no longer be opening and closing as well as they once did. They may stick or may no longer open at all. Some doors may swing shut when they never used to or may not stay latched.

Third, homeowners may be able to notice cracks in the home’s drywall, especially over doors and windows or where the ceiling meets the walls. In some cases, individuals may even notice gaping baseboards and crown molding or may discover nails that have popped out of wooden baseboards.

Finally, the floors can reveal significant structural issues. A wide crack in a concrete or tile floor is one obvious sign, but even floors that are covered with vinyl, wood or laminate can reveal issues. A simple slant test with a marble will show homeowners whether the floor is uneven.

Tips for Caring for a Problematic Foundation

Concerns about a home’s foundation can leave most homeowners filled with worry over the health of the entire structure. Other homeowners believe that these problems are something that they can fix themselves with a bit of concrete or spackling paste. Neither of these ideas are completely the truth.

Instead, it is best to have a professional look at the problematic area to see whether the signs of settling are worrisome or whether they point to structural damage. In some cases, basement excavation with underpinning or braces must be used to strengthen the basement and reduce future damage.

Choosing a Reputable Basement Excavation Professional

Having your home’s foundation repaired not only can make the home safer now but also can improve the market value of the home by ensuring that the foundation is stronger than ever. Because of this, it is important to choose a reputable basement repair professional to diagnose and correct the problem. Homeowners should also ask for a warranty for the repair work. Accurate Basement Repair can provide all types of basement repair work, including basement excavation, underpinningand rebuilding when necessary. Call us today at (414) 744-6900 and request a FREE estimate.

]]>Do You Need Exterior Basement Waterproofing? Racine, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/do-you-need-exterior-basement-waterproofing/
Fri, 04 Oct 2019 13:29:52 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2519Exterior basement waterproofing is a proactive rather than a reactive way to ensure that you have a dry basement. Ideally it is done while a house is being built, but exterior basement waterproofing can be undertaken with any basement, whether it is a basement of poured concrete or one of masonry block walls. The experts

]]>Exterior basement waterproofing is a proactive rather than a reactive way to ensure that you have a dry basement. Ideally it is done while a house is being built, but exterior basement waterproofing can be undertaken with any basement, whether it is a basement of poured concrete or one of masonry block walls. The experts at Accurate Basement can guide you through the process your specific basement needs.

Why Would Exterior Basement Waterproofing Be Needed?

Wet basements happen because of water in the surrounding soil finding its way through cracks and porous parts of the basement wall. Concrete walls can have spots that allow water to seep through due to problems when the concrete walls were poured, and masonry block walls can develop cracks along mortar joints.

The type of soil also affects water getting through to your basement, too. Soil absorbs moisture and expands; the degree of that expansion differs with the kind of soil. The clay soil that is common in much of Milwaukee and its surrounding area absorbs a lot of water, expands a great deal, and drains poorly. All this expansion and swelling creates pressure around the foundation and that pressure can force water through any small opening.

What Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing?

Exterior basement waterproofing can deal with all of these issues. The basic method involves excavating the soil away from the external basement wall, installing the appropriate moisture barrier, filling the surrounding area with gravel, and establishing a footer draining system. A sump pump may or may not be be necessary. The basement wall may need some prep work, and the moisture barrier can differ; the certified experts at Accurate Basement will be able to tell you precisely which moisture barrier will work best for your basement. The gravel fill is especially important given the kind of soil in our area.

What Are the Benefits of Exterior Basement Waterproofing?

The benefits of exterior basement waterproofing are significant. It prevents water from entering your basement rather than managing water that has already gotten in. It directs water to the exterior drainage system, away from your foundation. The gravel relieves the hydrostatic pressure that can otherwise build up. Most importantly, it gives you a truly dry, pleasant basement. Having an exterior basement waterproofing system means the elimination not only of seepage or wet spots, but of nasty musty odors as well, so your basement becomes usable living space. Naturally, it also increases the value of your home.

What Are the Costs Associated with Exterior Basement Waterproofing?

The costs of exterior basement waterproofing vary. The nature of the problem, the size of the basement, whether one or all walls need to be waterproofed, are only a few of the factors working into the cost assessment. Our skilled technicians and nationally certified structural repair and waterproofing specialists have been serving Milwaukee homes and businesses for years. We have the experience and reputation for integrity to give you a clear estimate based on your particular situation.

]]>3 Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing St. Francis, WIhttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/easy-to-miss-signs-that-you-need-foundation-waterproofing-st-francis-wi/
Sat, 28 Sep 2019 18:52:47 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2491Many homeowners believe that when their homes need foundation waterproofing it will be obvious, like a flooded basement. However, the situation with your foundation will already be dire by the time your basement is flooding. Recovering from a flooded basement is not only expensive but difficult as well. You not only have to deal with

]]>Many homeowners believe that when their homes need foundation waterproofing it will be obvious, like a flooded basement. However, the situation with your foundation will already be dire by the time your basement is flooding. Recovering from a flooded basement is not only expensive but difficult as well. You not only have to deal with the damaged property but also have to clean up and waterproof the basement.

Identifying the signs that you need foundation waterproofing early will mean that you can avoid the unpleasant experience of spending a lot of time and money on recovering water damaged property and cleaning your basement after a flood. You will only have to worry about the waterproofing and be sure that your property is safe from moisture damage.

However, the signs that your foundation is in need of waterproofing may not always be obvious. Some signs are more subtle. These include:

1. A Musty Odor from the Basement

A musty odor that comes from the basement is often a sign of a mold infestation. If this is the case, you may have a water seepage problem in your basement. Getting rid of the mold alone won’t help the situation for the long term. As long as your basement remains damp, the mold infestation will keep coming back.

The best thing to do if you discover signs of mold in your basement is to get in touch with a waterproofing company to have your basement inspected. They can identify any water seepage problems and attend to them.

2. Presence of Radon Gas

Radon gas is odorless and colorless. This naturally occurring gas is produced by the uranium in the soil, rocks and groundwater. When the uranium begins to break down, radon gas is released. This gas is one of the most common causes of lung cancer.

If your home has high levels of radon gas, there’s a good chance that your basement is need of waterproofing. However, radon gas can only be identified through air quality testing. You may therefore never know that your household is exposed to this harmful gas without regular indoor air quality tests.

3. Shimmers on Your Wall

Has your basement wall become sparkly? It may be the result of the formation of efflorescence on the basement walls. Efflorescence consists of mineral deposits. It is formed when water seeps through hairline cracks in the foundation wall and deposits minerals absorbed from the wall on the wall surface. The presence of efflorescence always indicates the need for foundation waterproofing.

]]>Dealing with Foundation Issues from Excessive Ground Moisturehttps://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/dealing-with-foundation-issues-from-excessive-ground-moisture/
Wed, 11 Sep 2019 19:49:13 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2456Gutter Leaks might lead to Foundation Repair This spring has certainly been a wet one with a seeming overload of rain in many parts of the Upper Midwest. Combined with spring thaws and continued wet weather for the past year, many Wisconsin homeowners are finding themselves with muddy yards and wet basements these

This spring has certainly been a wet one with a seeming overload of rain in many parts of the Upper Midwest. Combined with spring thaws and continued wet weather for the past year, many Wisconsin homeowners are finding themselves with muddy yards and wet basements these days. Even homes that have not found their foundations completely underwater are having to deal with plenty of problems, such as leaks, high indoor humidity levels, puddles in the basement and cracks and buckling in foundational walls. If you are a frustrated Wisconsin homeowner struggling with foundation repair issues, use these tips to keep your basement dry and to repair any current damage that you may have.

Redirect the Flow of Water Outdoors

The first and most obvious step that you should take to keep your basement dry and your foundation strong is to ensure that you do not have water flowing towards your basement. Obviously, you will have some rainfall around your foundation. However, you can help direct water away from your home using gutters and downspouts to collect the water coming off your roof. You can also regrade your land. Make sure that your yard gently slopes away from your home, and install gravel or rocks around your foundation to aid in drainage.

Choose Professional Basement Waterproofing

Waterproofing is the best and most ideal way to prevent water from coming inside. Waterproofing creates an impermeable barrier so that you can rest easy the next time a big storm sweeps through your area. When it comes to waterproofing your basement, you have a few different options depending on your budget and your needs. The easiest option is interior waterproofing. With this option, waterproof coating or sealant is painted on your interior basement walls. However, you may want to consider exterior waterproofing instead, which provides an even better solution for perpetually damp basements. While exterior waterproofing is more expensive because it requires complete excavation around the foundation walls followed by the installation of a French drain or a sump pump, the return on this investment is 30 percent, showing that this provides excellent value for your home.

Repair Visible Foundation Damage

If you already have cracks or broken walls in your foundation, you must seek professional foundation repair to prevent further damage. Foundation specialists have several options for repairing foundation damage if regrading the ground around the home and waterproofing the basement have not provided sufficient relief. Significant damage may require complete rebuilding of some or all of the walls. In this case, the foundation will need to be completely excavated to provide complete access. For greater stability, your home may also require steel brace wall reinforcements. These interior beams stand firm against the pressures of water and soil outside the home and are particularly good at preventing buckling walls.

When it comes to foundation repair, you need to choose professionals like the ones at Accurate Basement Repair who have plenty of experience working on homes in your area. These professionals will have the best understanding of common foundation types as well as typical soil and weather conditions, which will determine the type of foundation wall rebuilds or repairs that are best suited for your home.

]]>What’s the Scariest Thing to Find Lurking in the Basement?https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/blog/whats-the-scariest-thing-to-find-lurking-in-the-basement/
Sat, 24 Aug 2019 18:26:26 +0000https://www.accuratebasementrepair.com/?p=2450Serious Cracks and Displacement For some people, it's the thought of spiders lurking in the dark. Others are unnerved by the clutter or the mechanical components that often reside there. Smart homeowners know that walls that are cracked or buckling are among the scariest things that you can find in a basement because

For some people, it’s the thought of spiders lurking in the dark. Others are unnerved by the clutter or the mechanical components that often reside there. Smart homeowners know that walls that are cracked or buckling are among the scariest things that you can find in a basement because they can be a red flag for foundation problems. Think about it: Your foundation provides vital support for your home. It’s a crucial part of the structure, so if it is compromised, other areas of your home can be affected. If left unattended, foundation trouble will likely get worse and can negatively impact both the value and the livability of your home.

Spotting the Danger

What causes basement walls to crack or buckle? As HouseLogic explains, the culprit is often the soil surrounding your home. When it shrinks, it forces the structure’s foundation to settle or sag. When shifts in the earth cause it to heave, it puts pressure on the foundation. Water can also be a troublemaker, especially in places like Wisconsin where freezing temperatures turn it into ice that expands. While a few small, hairline cracks in the basement wall may not be cause for concern, any noticeable bulges or sizable cracks should be checked out immediately, especially if the cracks are running horizontally or stagger like stairs between the wall’s concrete blocks or are accompanied by signs of water penetration.

Taking Action

Cracking or buckling basement walls may be a homeowner’s nightmare, but they do not mean that your foundation is doomed. In fact, structural problems like foundation troubles actually made the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors’ list of the “10 Most Common House Problems”. Acting quickly will limit the potential for additional damage and likely allow you to tackle the problem with a fix that is easier and more affordable. What should you do if you’re worried about a foundation issue? Don’t ignore it. Don’t wait for a more convenient time. Deal with the problem promptly by calling in a professional who specializes in basement and foundation repair.

Welcome Support

What is the best solution for foundation problems? That depends on your unique situation. One possible fix involves installing steel brace wall reinforcements that provide added support to the existing walls. This halts the movement of the walls, restores the structural integrity of your home and prevents future damage. When installed properly, these steel reinforcements are not a temporary foundation repair. They offer a permanent, time-tested solution that protects both your home and its value.

Are concerns about cracking walls, buckling foundations or other signs of trouble in your Milwaukee home’s basement keeping you up at night? Turn to Accurate Basement Repair. With nearly 20 years of experience, our team of basement and foundation repair experts is ready to put its expertise to work for homeowners in southeastern Wisconsin. Licensed, insured and bonded, we provide warrantied service. We’re armed with extensive training and a fleet of equipment that contains some of the industry’s newest technologies. Call (414) 744-6900 today to request your FREE estimate!